Climate Dream Prize

RESILIENCE STARTS WITH A CHANCE TO BUILD.

A national prize for students aged 11 - 18 to turn lived climate vulnerabilities into action.

About the Prize

The Climate Dream Prize is a national-level opportunity for students aged 11–18 to engage with climate challenges around them. By submitting ideas grounded in personal and community experience, participants stand a chance to win ₹1,00,000 to take their climate resilience solution forward.

Theme

Climate Resilience

Climate resilience means being ready for the changes that climate change brings and finding ways to live well despite them. It is about preparing for, reducing, and adapting to its effects: whether that means protecting our homes and communities, saving water, growing food in smarter ways, or using energy wisely.

Importantly, it is about helping people and nature stay safe and strong while building a climate-friendly way of life in India.

10 Focus Areas of the Climate Dream Prize

Inland Flooding

Heavy rains and overflowing rivers damaging homes, roads, and crops.

Transportation & Fuel

Problems moving people/goods and reliance on polluting fuels.

Food Systems

Weather changes affecting how and where we grow food, and impacting farmers.

Water Usage & Droughts

Using more water than we have, and facing long periods with little or no rain.

Heat Waves

Series of extremely hot days that harm people’s health and the environment.

Sea-Level Rise & Coastal Erosion

Rising seas and stronger waves eating away coasts and displacing communities.

Human Health

Illnesses caused by polluted air, dirty water, and extreme weather events.

Biodiversity Loss

Disappearance of species that help keep our environment balanced.

Energy Demand

Rising demand for electricity and fuels, often from polluting sources.

Urban Stress

Overcrowded cities struggling with pollution, waste, and heat.

How It Works

Apply With Your Idea

Identify a climate challenge around you that fits one or more of our 10 focus areas. Share your solution to build resilience.

Get Shortlisted & Win

The top 20 entries will be invited to present before a jury. The winning idea will receive ₹1,00,000 to help bring it to life.

Key Details

Eligibility:
Any student enrolled in a school in India between the ages of 11 and 18 can participate.

Team Size:
You can apply individually or in a team of up to 3 members.

Participation Fee:
Each entry requires a ₹50 fee.

See Full Rules

Timeline

Aug 15 – Oct 26, 2025

Application Submission Window
Nov 15, 2025

Shortlist Announcement
Dec 2025

Jury Pitch & Winner Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kinds of ideas are you looking for?

We are looking for ideas that respond to real climate problems around you, especially ones that are practical, inclusive, and based on your own experience.

Your idea should include:

A clear problem you are addressing
A creative solution that fits your context
Some thought on who it affects and how it could work
Awareness of possible risks and challenges

I’m worried my solution may not match the theme. What should I do?

Don’t worry. The theme of Climate Resilience is defined broadly. As long as your idea clearly connects to one or more of the 10 focus areas, it will be considered within the theme.

How are ideas evaluated?

We look for an understanding of your community and the problem, creativity and practicality, inclusion of underserved groups, and overall clarity and thoughtfulness.

Will my idea be safe with you?

Yes! We will not share or use your idea without your permission. Your intellectual property is protected.

Can team members be from different age groups or academic backgrounds?

Yes, teams can include students from different age groups (between 11 and 18) and academic backgrounds.

I have an idea but not finding team members. Can I apply alone?

Yes, individual applications are allowed. While working in a team can be helpful, it is not required.

Are there any costs involved?

Yes. There is a one-time participation fee of ₹50 per entry.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

We offer full refunds only within 24 hours of payment. After that, refunds are not possible. For more information, please see our refund policy here.

How will my information be used?

We only collect the information needed to process your entry and communicate with you about the Climate Dream Prize. Your data is handled securely, will never be sold, and is shared only with trusted service providers (like our payment gateway) for necessary processes. You can read our full Privacy Policy here.

Where can I read the Terms of Service?

The Terms of Service explain how you can use our website and participate in the Climate Dream Prize. You can read the full Terms of Service here.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes. All participants will receive a certificate, whether applying alone or in a team.

What time are the deadlines on each date?

All deadlines mentioned on the website are as per Indian Standard Time (IST) and close at 11:59 PM IST on the respective dates. Make sure to submit before that to avoid any issues.

I still have questions. How can I reach you?

Please write to us at info@climatedreamprize.org. We will be happy to help.